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Heartwarming announcements happen 500 miles apart

By Lori Pankonin The Imperial Republican

Have you ever had those moments when something coincidentally happens at the same time miles apart? Or is it coincidence?
Such an incident was a true blessing Saturday night.
It started six weeks ago when we secretly learned my sister, Brenda, would be honored as the Newspaper Person of the Year at the Colorado press convention in Denver, Colo. Wouldn’t you know the Colorado and Nebraska conventions fell on the same weekend for the first time. I envisioned making a live connection electronically to express our proud congratulations.
Shortly after, my brother in Aurora said he would attend the Friday convention in Lincoln. Then he and my sister-in-law would drive to Denver, meeting Mom along the way. My husband’s mind churned. We could stay through Saturday morning convention sessions, then fly to Denver.
A conversation with my older brother in Kansas City, Mo., found him booking a flight to Denver, as well. All of my siblings would be there with Mom, Brenda’s husband and daughter and some of her Holyoke Enterprise staff. My heart pumped with anticipation. Could we all keep the surprise?
Travel plans worked perfectly and family coming from various directions gathered in hiding at the Colorado convention site.
In the meantime, the Loral Johnson Sweepstakes award would be presented for the 14th year at the Nebraska convention banquet in memory of Dad. The winning newspaper is determined by a point scale for all awards captured in the numerous categories.
Our daughter, Brooke, was attending the convention as managing editor of the Grant Tribune-Sentinel. She would make the presentation on behalf of the family.